Addressing the Trump team’s gripes over China’s role in the fentanyl crisis could let both sides soften trade stance.

China may offer cooperation on fentanyl as a diplomatic “icebreaker” to restart trade talks with the U.S., following months of economic pain and escalating tariffs under Trump’s second presidency. According to The Wall Street Journal,

Washington says Chinese chemical manufacturers and exporters provide most precursor chemicals used by drug cartels to produce synthetic opioids, the cause of nearly 450,000 U.S. overdose deaths. China has long defended its tough drug laws and record of cracking down on smugglers, and says the U.S. must get a handle on its own addiction woes.